The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Reports

  • STI, HIV: Nigerians urged to embrace use of condoms

    STI, HIV: Nigerians urged to embrace use of condoms

    A non-governmental organisation, AIDS Healthcare Foundation has urged youths to avoid risky behaviour associated with unsafe sex by embracing the use of condoms.

    Country Program Director, AHF Echey Ijezie said this during a day programme to mark this year’s International Condom Day (ICD) organised in collaboration with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

    He said the use of condom has contributed to the reduction of sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies.

    Ijezie said there was a need to step up awareness on the use of condoms in the country.

    He said: “It (use of condoms) is a message we teach and propagate and we want everyone to embrace. We want our youth to reduce the risk associated with unsafe sex. Even if they want to engage in sex it has to be safe sex.

    “Condom advocacy is necessary because of millions of cases worldwide. We want improvement in the use of condoms. The young ones need improvement and sensitisation so as to do better when it comes to the use of condoms.”

    An Assistant Director with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Ezinne Okey-Uchendu said Nigeria has about 600 million condoms.

    She called for more interventions to bridge the condom gap in the country.

    The Director Advocacy, Policy and Marketing, AHF Africa, Oluwakemi Gbadamosi urged Nigerians not to be ashamed of using condoms during sex.

    She said Nigeria is still getting a high rate of infection as a result of non-use of condoms.  

  • Adamawa takes anti-drug campaign to parks

    Adamawa takes anti-drug campaign to parks

    Authorities in Adamawa State have taken anti-drug use campaigns to parks where they target drivers and loaders, among other park-based individuals.

    Members of the Adamawa State Drug Control Committee (ASDCC) who addressed such people at the Jambutu Motor Park in Yola North LGA, said they needed to act against the high incidence of illegal drug use in the state.

    A co-chairman of the Committee, Femi Agboalu, who is also the state Commander of the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), said 370,000 Adamawa people were found to be hooked to illicit drugs in 2018, but that by now, the number would have risen to no less than 400,000.

    He said the figure was 17 percent of the National Drug use incidence, and that Adamawa is the third worst state in drug use in the North after Gombe and Yobe.

    “This is bad and it has to change,” Agboalu said, adding, “It’s not a war to fight with AK47 or Dane guns. We need to have an understanding among ourselves. We come to you today because we believe that members of the NURTW are critical to the fight. You drive vehicles in which these drugs are transported into Adamawa State where they become a problem to us.

    Read Also : NDLEA busts trans-border cartel, seizes illegal drugs

    “We are talking about Indian hemp. It becomes a problem because when you take it, you do things that change your mood and make you do what you would ordinarily not do.

    “There is Tramadol, Cocaine, Heroine, Metavitamin or Met or Ice. There is Suck and Die used to embalm dead bodies but which our youths suck, get high, and go haywire.”

    He advised youths to keep away from drugs because the chances of permanent damage to their lives are too grave to ignore.

    During the anti-drug campaign of Adamawa State Drug Control Committee at the Jambutu Park in Yola

  • Kwara announces job vacancies for garment factory

    Kwara announces job vacancies for garment factory

    Kwara State Government has opened an online portal for people to apply to work full-time in the garment factory — one of the legacy economic projects of the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq administration. 

    The jobs on offer are supervisors, embroidery machine operators, sewing machine operators, expert sewers, garment production supervisors, garment factory managers, experienced garment technologists and pattern cutters, machinists, cutting masters, printers in-charge, and trainers-in-charge. 

    Read Also: We’ll reward your hard work with second term, Etsu tells Kwara Gov

    “Applicants are to visit www.kwarajobs.com to read the qualifications for each job and submit their applications for roles they fit into. Anyone who has challenges in the application process can also contact 08105782976 or Harmony Hub at 4-5 Upper Floor Block B (beside BOVAS filling station) Fate Road, Ilorin,” a statement explained. 

    Successful applicants would later undergo trainings before production begins at what looks set to be one of the biggest garment production hubs in Nigeria and West Africa.

  • Civil society urges sensitisation on BVAS

    Civil society urges sensitisation on BVAS

    The Centre for Transparency Advocacy has called for sensitisation on the usage of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) ahead of the general election.

    The civil society noted that there was a need to pay more attention to potential flash points across the country ahead of the election.

    Executive Director, CTA, Faith Nwadishi at a briefing in Abuja yesterday said the organisation embarked on meeting with critical stakeholders across the six geo-political zones during the mock accreditation exercise.

    Nwadishi said: “More sensitisation on the use of the BVAS and relocation of names to decongest the Polling Units (PUs.) There should be more sensitisation of security agents on the dos and don’ts at PUs on Election Day and the rights of Observers. More attention should be paid to potential flash points.”

    The organisation hailed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in their overall conduct of the BVAs.

    It noted that there was improvement in the performance of the BVAS, while faulting the conduct of “political class whose party agents were at some of the polling units.”

  • It’s payback time for Tinubu, says Northern coalition

    It’s payback time for Tinubu, says Northern coalition

    A Northern Coalition Group in Katsina, has described the February 25 Presidential election as the North’s payback time for the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The group said Tinubu had helped President Muhammadu Buhari and other northern leaders.

    Coordinator of the coalition Group, Comrade Hamza Umar Salauwa, during ‘’One day Tinubu/Shetima Engagement with faith-based and community-based Organisations’’ yesterday in Katsina, also maintained that since 1999, Tinubu has identified with the North.

    ‘’If we must ensure justice and fair play, then we must support Tinubu for the Presidency like we did to the late MKO Abiola and Babagana Kingibe. Tinubu remains Arewa, Hausa and Fulani’s choice, if we fail, we will never benefit from Lagos again. This is the time  the North should pay back the APC Presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu by massively voting for him as the next President of Nigeria. We recall how Tinubu supported PDP presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar when he contested for the seat under the defunct ACN and how he supported President Muhammadu Buhari to win elections under the APC. This is Tinubu’s turn for President,” he said, adding ‘’Tinubu loves the North and when elected President, he will surely promote the interest of the north”.

    He also assured Nigerians that if elected, Tinubu would replicate the wonderful work he did in Lagos to the whole of Nigeria.

    He also urged the people of Katsina to vote for the APC governorship candidate, Dr. Dikko Umar Radda.

  • A’Court rules on APC candidate for Jos East

    A’Court rules on APC candidate for Jos East

    The Court of Appeal, Jos division has declared Madaki Isa Ajiji as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Jos East.

    The court dismissed a suit seeking to disqualify Ajiji as the winner of the primary election.

    The appellant, Philibus Silas Pada insisted that Ajiji was not qualified to contest for the post of House of Assembly for Jos East Constituency, claiming that Ajiji lied with his name.

    He also alleged that Ajiji didn’t resign his appointment from Jos North Local Government before contesting for the primary election.

    Instead, Pada asked the court to declare him winner.

    In an unanimous decision of the court led by Justice Y. G Abundaga, the court held that, “On the allegation of change of name from Madaki Lawal Ajiji to Madaki Isa Ajiji, the court is convinced that Ajiji satisfied the requirements for a change of name through court affidavit and newspaper publication

     “On the allegation that Isa Ajiji Madaki did not resign from the local government at the time he contested the election, the Court held that the evidence before it shows that the said Ajiji has shown the evidence of resignation as well as returned of three months salaries from January to March 2022.

    The court dismissed the appeal for lack of merit, and equally upholds the judgement of the High Court.

  • Nigeria needs leaders like Murtala Muhammed-MMF

    Nigeria needs leaders like Murtala Muhammed-MMF

    As Nigerians commemorate the 47th anniversary of the death of former Head of State, Late General Murtala Muhammed, the need for decisive leadership as the country prepares for the general elections in a fortnight, has been stressed.

    The late Head of State paid the highest price for service to the country on February 13, 1976 with his life and the Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF) set up to keep his legacy alive, says, this year’s anniversary would be dedicated to his philosophy, in the spirit of the general elections.

    In statement on Monday, upon her return from Kano, the birth home of the late head of state, the Chief Executive Officer of MMF, Dr. Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode said that General Muhammed’s regime birthed the transition to a democratic rule which was brought to fruition by his successor.

    According to her: “The greatest gift for late Head of State’s 47th memorial anniversary is to ensure a smooth transition through free and fair general elections on February 25, 2023, to decisive governance, empathetic leadership that has the interest of the masses at heart.”

    The CEO of MMF emphasised: “The nation is at a fragile crossroads, and indeed the focus of this year’s memorial was prayers at General Muhammed’s graveside, for the elections to usher in the type of governance envisioned by Murtala Muhammed and his team.

    “During his brief tenure in power, the late General’s administration prevailed in the battle against indiscipline, while also creating the institutions that would engender nationalism and sustainable peace and security within Nigeria’s borders.”

    “General Muhammed’s administration fought corruption to a standstill and began the process of moving the federal capital to Abuja, addressed the issue of bureaucratic inefficiency, and, most importantly, initiated the process for a return to civilian rule.

    ” He undoubtedly held a great belief in the existence of a powerful and vibrant Nigeria within an independent, yet united, and affluent Africa. Unquestionably a belief that Nigerians can replicate in their voting choices in the upcoming general elections,” MuhammedOyebode stated.

  • Endeavor appoints new MD

    Endeavor appoints new MD

    Global entrepreneurship network, Endeavor Nigeria, has announced the appointment of Ireayomide Oladunjoye as its Managing Director/CEO, effective 6th February 2023.

    Ireayomide takes over from Tosin Dada, who led the organisaton’s operations for two years.

    In a statement by the outgoing Managing Director /CEO, Tosin Faniro-Dada: “Leading the Endeavor Nigeria team for the past two years has been one the most incredible journeys of personal and professional growth, and it’s all thanks to Linda Rottenberg’s 25-year vision of transforming economies, one entrepreneur at a time.

    “I’m delighted that I had the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful team that supports 33 high impact entrepreneurs leading 16 high growth companies.

    “I’m happy to hand the wheel to Ireayomide Oladunjoye, who is impact-driven and committed to the future of high-impact entrepreneurship in Nigeria.

    “I’m grateful to the Board of Endeavor Nigeria under the leadership of Atedo N.A. Peterside (CON) for their support and look forward to Endeavor Nigeria’s continued success.”

    Before joining Endeavor, Ireayomide was Head, Startups at Lagos Innovates.

    She was responsible for developing and implementing government- led programmes to support an enabling environment for Tech Startups and Innovation Driven Enterprises to thrive in Lagos State.

    Said Ireayomide: “I’m excited to join the Endeavor Nigeria network as Managing Director and CEO. I have been a huge fan of Endeavor’s mission and team for many years; hopefully, together with the Endeavor team, mentors and supporters, we can help uncover the next group of Nigerian unicorns, outliers, multipliers, and high-impact Endeavor Entrepreneurs!”

  • I have set aside N2bn to build more schools in Nasarawa – Sule

    I have set aside N2bn to build more schools in Nasarawa – Sule

    Nasarawa State governor, Abdullahi Sule, says his administration has set aside over N2bn to build more primary and junior secondary schools across different communities in the state.

    Governor Abdullahi Sule disclosed this yesterday during a town hall meeting with stakeholders of Mada Station, Agidi Development Area in Nasarawa Eggon LG, as part of his re-election campaign.

    He said he got information that the school in the area was destroyed by rainfall and that he has sent a delegation to check the level of damage.

    “On the report I got from the delegation that visited the school, I have big news for you today. We are discussing with Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) where we are looking forward to the establishment of new schools and additional classrooms in the two schools in Mada Station and other parts of the state.”

    He said the additional school will help cope with the increasing number of pupils in the state primary and junior secondary schools.

    Governor Sule also said his administration has rehabilitated the primary healthcare centre in Mada Station and promised to establish a general hospital to meet up with the population of the area.

    “We’re talking about hospitals and I’ve repaired your primary healthcare centre. We’re looking forward to expanding the centre to a general hospital because Mada Station is big enough to have the general hospital.”

    He said he was in the area to seek their support in his bid to be re-elected in 2023.

    The state APC chairman, John Mamman said, the APC administration under Governor Sule had carried out some projects in the area, one of which he said, was the Arikpa Bridge.

  • Building collapse: Abuja residents call for prosecution of govt officials

    Building collapse: Abuja residents call for prosecution of govt officials

    … Seek return to original Abuja Model City II plan

    Residents of Gwarinpa Estate on Saturday protested what they described as poor handling and approval of the two-storey building under construction that collapsed over a week ago in Abuja.

    Three people were confirmed dead while dozens of people working on the site were trapped, rescued and later rushed to a nearby hospital.

    Briefing reporters on the development, Chairman of ADKAN Estate Residents Association, Kabir Akanbi, called for the arrest and prosecution of Federal Housing Authority (FHA) officials that approved and monitored the collapsed building.

    Akanbi urged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Bello, to ensure the review of the original design of Abuja Model City II Gwarinpa plan.

    He said the return to the original design as set in the Abuja Model City II plan

    when the estate was first conceived will help avert future building collapse.

    Akanbi said: “The heartrending images of human beings buried under collapsed buildings and bodies being pulled from rubbles have dominated the media space since the turn of this year and have assailed our collective consciousness. We join the rest of the global community in praying for the repose of the souls of the

    departed and hope the families find the fortitude to bear these losses.

    “The collapse of the storey building on the 6th Avenue in Gwarinpa, Abuja represents the culmination of the continuing trend of illegally converting buildings and green areas purposely designed as residences and public utilities for commercial purposes.

    “Government officials responsible for the approval and monitoring of the collapsed building should be arrested and prosecuted.

    “We have observed the recent increase of these commercial buildings all around us contrary to the original design as set in the Abuja Model City II plan when our estate was first conceived. We have equally been grappling with the numerous costs of these forced conversions, such as the traffic log jams we now experience on a daily basis, the increase in insecurity, which naturally follows commercialisation, as criminals suddenly see opportunities for nefarious acts.

    “The collapse is the ugly and extreme manifestation of the ravenous appetite for commercialisation that has taken hold within our estate in recent years and which, apparently has neither respect for legal boundaries nor peaceable habitation.”